Antigonus The One Eyed Greatest Of The Successors: The Warrior, The Strategist, The Visionary

Antigonus, known as "the One Eyed," was a prominent figure during the period following the death of Alexander the Great. His remarkable skills as a warrior, strategist, and visionary made him one of the most influential and successful of all the successors. Let's delve into the life and achievements of this legendary figure and understand why he deserves the title of "The Great."

The Rise to Power

Antigonus began his military career serving under Philip II of Macedon, where his exceptional skills caught the attention of his superiors. After Alexander the Great became the ruler of Macedon, Antigonus continued to prove himself in battle and quickly rose through the ranks. His exceptional leadership and unwavering loyalty to Alexander earned him prestigious positions, including the command of an elite cavalry force.

Antigonus the One-Eyed: Greatest of the Successors

by Jeff Champion (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4607 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Following Alexander's death in 323 BC, Antigonus became one of the "Diadochi" - the successors who vied for control over Alexander's vast empire. Antigonus was unyielding in his ambition to unify all the territories under his rule, and this determination set the stage for his brilliant military campaigns.

The Warrior

Antigonus possessed remarkable military skills that were renowned within his ranks. He was a fearless warrior who led troops into battle, showing exceptional bravery and agility. Despite losing an eye during one of his numerous campaigns, Antigonus refused to let this hinder his ability to fight. He became known as "the One Eyed," a symbol of resilience and determination.

The Strategist

It was Antigonus' strategic brilliance that truly set him apart from his contemporaries. He possessed an exceptional ability to strategize and foresee the course of battles. His military campaigns were meticulously planned, combining traditional strategies with innovative tactics. Antigonus had an extraordinary talent for adapting to changing circumstances and exploiting the weaknesses of his enemies.

The Visionary

Antigonus had a grand vision: to restore the unity of Alexander's empire under his rule. He worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, building alliances, and forging diplomatic relationships. Antigonus knew that political maneuvering and consolidation of power were just as crucial as military conquests. He laid the groundwork for a centralized, well-structured empire that would continue to thrive long after his passing.

The Legacy

Antigonus' impact on the ancient world was profound. His military victories, strategic genius, and visionary leadership left an indelible mark on the course of history. Even after his death in 301 BC during the Battle of Ipsus, Antigonus' descendants continued to play significant roles in the events that followed, proving the enduring legacy of his empire.

To this day, Antigonus The One Eyed is hailed as one of the greatest successors of Alexander the Great. His achievements in warfare and statecraft continue to inspire generations, serving as examples of remarkable leadership and unwavering determination.

Antigonus the One-Eyed: Greatest of the Successors

by Jeff Champion (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4607 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	362 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The author of Pyrrhus of Epirus “tells the exciting story of one of those competing to succeed Alexander the Great . . . Recommended.” —Firetrench
 
Plutarch described Antigonus the One Eyed (382-301 BC) as “the oldest and greatest of Alexander’s successors.” Antigonus loyally served both Philip II and Alexander the Great as they converted his native Macedonia into an empire stretching from India to Greece. After Alexander’s death, Antigonus, then governor of the obscure province of Phrygia, seemed one of the least likely of his commanders to seize the dead king’s inheritance. Yet within eight years of the king’s passing, through a combination of military skill and political shrewdness, he had conquered the Asian portion of the empire.
 
Antigonus’ success caused those who controlled the European and Egyptian parts of the empire to unite against him. For another fourteen years he would wage war against a coalition of the other Successors, Ptolemy, Lysimachus, Seleucus and Cassander. In 301 he would meet defeat and death in the Battle of Ipsus. The ancient writers saw Antigonus’ life as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and vaulting ambition. Despite his apparent defeat, his descendants would continue to rule as kings and create a dynasty that would rule Macedonia for over a century. Jeff Champion narrates the career of this titanic figure with the focus squarely on the military aspects.
 
“It is far time that we have a biography of one of the greatest men of Hellenistic society . . . His rise from this backwater to almost becoming the king of the entire Macedonian empire is detailed by the author.”—A Wargamers Needful Things.